I spent the morning tidying up the house: I swept every corner and started scrubbing the floors. Just as I finished, my mother-in-law deliberately threw sunflower seed shells onto the freshly cleaned floor. I stared at her in disbelief, certain shed done it on purpose.
Mum, why did you do that? I saw you do it intentionally! I asked.
She looked back at me with contempt and replied, Youll do it again! Its no trouble for you, is it?
Satisfied with her little prank, she turned and settled back into bed. I went off to the other room to fetch the broom and dustpan, and began sweeping up again.
Meanwhile, my mother-in-law picked up the newspaper, one shed already read several times before.
I couldnt help asking, Why do you despise me so much? What have I done for you to constantly mock me? I cook for you, I wash the clothes, I keep the house clean. And my daughter is always helping too! Why do you treat me like this?
She didnt even glance my way or bother to reply. I knew I wouldnt get an explanation or an apology.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I finished the floors and walked away. I went on to sort out the laundry and then headed to the greengrocer around the corner.
There was always so much to do at home. When I kept busy, I didnt think about things too much and the hours simply slipped by.
My husband passed away years ago, when our daughter was only eight.
Right after the funeral, my mother-in-law insisted, Stay with me! I wont let you go anywhere. I dont want it gossiped about in the village that I threw you out.
Of course, I agreed. I had nowhere else to go. My sister and her two children lived with my parents, so there was simply no space for my daughter and me.
I had high hopes that, despite my mother-in-laws sour disposition, wed eventually find some common ground. Unfortunately, that miracle never materialised.
Out in public, she was perfectly civil towards me, but once we were alone at home, shed constantly belittle me. She demanded I do exactly as she pleased.
Youre so useless! Whod ever want you? No man would ever look at you! Youve got a child! Stay with me and Natalie! If you do, youll have my house one day! But if you dont do as I say, Ill leave the house to someone else and youll have nothing!
I was so afraid of losing everything, I simply endured it. I did it all for my daughters sake.
And my mother-in-law wasnt planning on going anywhere. She was already into her nineties, but she was never ill. She spent her whole pension on herself, and demanded I buy her good, tasty, quality food.
Long ago, I realised Id made a big mistake staying with her. I should never have agreed. Now Id suffered this humiliation for so many years.
My daughter is finishing university now. Shes got a lovely boyfriend and theyre planning to marry. After the wedding, shell move in with him. I truly hope shell have a happy life.
I just feel so sorry for myself and the life I wasted…
